Bootstrap Drill Press

Humans are wobbly structures without a built-in ability to hold tools at fixed angles and position. Any machine tool will increase the accuracy of the work produced by holding the tool bit and workpiece positions more accurately. A drill press makes accurate holes by guiding a rotating drill bit in a straight, usually vertical, line down towards a table. A frame holds the position of the drill guide and table so they do not move while drilling. The table provides methods of clamping the workpiece in place while being drilled. Various jigs allow holding round or other odd shapes, and positioning the workpiece a known distance from it's end to the drill bit. Besides making holes, other bits such as a sanding drum let you do other tasks.

This bootstrap drill press converts a hand held electric drill into a press by adding the guide, frame, and table. It is an intermediate tool between hand held power tools, and commercial drill presses or the OSE industrial grade press. The bootstrapping concept is to use the tools you have to make better tools. This press will be less expensive than buying a press of similar capacity, and also gives some practice with a relatively simple project before trying a more challenging one.

Tools Needed

• Some kind of workbench - Working on the floor is uncomfortable. A raised work surface is more comfortable and allows clearance for clamps. Two sawhorses straddled by a few 36 or 48 mm boards (2 inch nominal US) is sufficient for this project.

• Electric circular saw - With the addition of clamps and a straight edged object this can cut relatively straight lines.

• Electric hand drill - This will be used both to build the drill press, and serve as the motor to run the press once built. It will be removable so you can still use the hand drill on it's own. Since the power of the motor will limit the capacity of the drill for making large or deep holes, a more powerful motor is better if you have a choice. Secondarily, the maximum opening of the chuck in the drill will limit the size bits you can use. If it does not come with it, also get a set of twist drill bits (the most common type) in various sizes up to 6 mm (1/4 inch).

• Measuring square - Needed to mark lines at right angles for cutting and measuring, and for checking the drill is perpendicular to the table.

• Ruler or Tape Measure - Needed to measure dimensions. A large measuring square, such as used for house framing may suffice for this project, but a tape measure is highly useful.